This position is responsible for supporting the West District by advancing a client's legal matter. The LAW will work under the direct supervision of a supervisor and will assess complex and high risk cases and will have decision making authority in criminal and family matters. The LAW will review financial and legal information with clients and provide them with procedural information and referrals. The LAW will provide directors, managers, supervisor and staff lawyers with the details of the client's legal matter.
Home Location: London Courthouse
Other Locations: Woodstock Courthouse. St. Thomas Courthouse and Stratford Courthouse, Goderich Courthouse
• Review and determine financial eligibility for certificate and DC services.
• Co-ordinate decision making with other LAO departments, including District office, Duty Counsel CLSC, Investigations, CML, etc
• Implement performance measures in order to track clients assisted
• Provide general information, including procedural legal information, by responding to in-person, written and phone inquiries from lawyers, clients and other legal system partners, on the status of applications, appeals and referrals.
• Perform client and certificate file management activities, including providing clients with information related to Legal Aid and court proceedings.
• Support roster management within the district; review and report any issues to the Directors.
• Support Eligibility review office processes, including making entitlement decisions based on LAO's financial eligibility and policy criteria
• Outreach work with stakeholders, including clinics, institutions, court services and other community agencies to promote and expand service co-ordination opportunities
Assist duty counsel operations with scheduling, administrative tasks, ordering supplies, data entry
• Triaging clients in person and in a virtual setting for eligibility and referral to duty counsel
• Assisting with agency requests for private bar lawyers
• Organizing and liaison with per diem duty counsel
• Perform other duties as required
• Advanced writing skills
• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft
• Strong interpersonal, communication and interview skills
• Solid understanding of processes, rules and practice directions for all levels of court;
• Knowledge of relevant legislation;
• Detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of Legal Aid application rules and procedures, including eligibility review process, legal and financial eligibility criteria, and LAO policies and practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments, districts and offices.
• Ability to provide services in both French and English is required
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
This position is represented by the OPSEU and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
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Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.
Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.
Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.
Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.